Ubuntu and Gnome

Ubuntu  uses the latest version of Gnome which is full of enhancements. Also this release includes hundreds of bug fixes and user-requested improvements. Gnome  is a popular, multi-platform desktop environment with ease of use and stability high on the priority list. One addition I noticed while using Gnome on my Ubuntu desktop was the new Nautilus that uses GVFS as its backend. GVFS allows you to fix Nautilus problems like restoring files from trash, pause and undo file operations, and it works with Policy Kit to escalate user privileges. In addition to all of this it also brings an always welcome performance boost to many applications.

The world clock applet was also a nice feature to the Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron Gnome 2.22 desktop. The time and weather can be displayed in multiple locations and are easily configured in detail. You may even create multiple profiles for different locations.

Other features I've found useful are the Evolution Email is now the Evolution Mail and Calendar in the Gnome 2.22 menu. Evolution has been improved with Google calendars and custom message labels and now you can even add your Evolution contacts to the Deskbar in Gnome 2.22.

A release every six months makes watching Gnome develop is very exciting. The next release Gnome 2.24, is already in process and will hopefully offer many more improvements including a new version of the Ekiga VoIP client, Empathy instant messaging, column and list views in file manager, and so much more. To view the Gnome roadmap click here